Bixby J-2 - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Salmotrutta · 11-17-2022, 05:06 PM

How shallow have you guys run these motors? What I'm looking to do is fish upstream in Rivers and Streams. I despise fishing downstream. The fish holding depth is 3'-8' of water. However, I will need to navigate riffles and runs in very shallow water (6 inches or even less) as I move upstream. My goal is to motor upstream, drop anchor and make 10 or 12 casts, then bump up 25-30 yards and repeat. Also there are unproductive stretches 400-600 yards long at times. Ultimately, I'd like to cover 5 or so river miles in a day, then just float back down to the truck.

Salmotrutta · 11-17-2022, 05:15 PM

I've tried 2-man pontoon type boats with trolling motors and they work in many areas, but don't work in the small to mid size Rivers where some of the largest fish reside. Larger, older fish get spooked by boats and humans floating downstream. Also, trolling motor props get torn up by the limestone bottom very easily. The Bixpy, mounted on a kayak rudder, which i plan on rigging with a lever I can operate by hand for very shallow areas, might just be perfect. Any thoughts? Am I crazy, lol?

jorluivil · 11-18-2022, 07:21 AM

get the weed guard!!!

JohnMckroidJr · 11-19-2022, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salmotrutta

How shallow have you guys run these motors? What I'm looking to do is fish upstream in Rivers and Streams. I despise fishing downstream. The fish holding depth is 3'-8' of water. However, I will need to navigate riffles and runs in very shallow water (6 inches or even less) as I move upstream. My goal is to motor upstream, drop anchor and make 10 or 12 casts, then bump up 25-30 yards and repeat. Also there are unproductive stretches 400-600 yards long at times. Ultimately, I'd like to cover 5 or so river miles in a day, then just float back down to the truck.

With the Gas Engine, I can't go shallower than a foot, and feel uncomfortable in less than 2ft. With the engine up, one can scissor kick a mirage drive in 6 inches of water. Anything shallower than that one is better off to get out of the kayak and walk it up until the water gets deeper again.

The Bixby with it's standard power Shrouded propeller sounds perfect for what you describe. Electric is much quieter than gas, so there is that to consider as well. Let us know how it works out for you.

11-18-2022, 07:21 AM	#3
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,855	get the weed guard!!! __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

11-17-2022, 05:06 PM	#1
Salmotrutta Junior Join Date: Nov 2022 Posts: 3	How shallow have you guys run these motors? What I'm looking to do is fish upstream in Rivers and Streams. I despise fishing downstream. The fish holding depth is 3'-8' of water. However, I will need to navigate riffles and runs in very shallow water (6 inches or even less) as I move upstream. My goal is to motor upstream, drop anchor and make 10 or 12 casts, then bump up 25-30 yards and repeat. Also there are unproductive stretches 400-600 yards long at times. Ultimately, I'd like to cover 5 or so river miles in a day, then just float back down to the truck.

11-17-2022, 05:15 PM	#2
Salmotrutta Junior Join Date: Nov 2022 Posts: 3	I've tried 2-man pontoon type boats with trolling motors and they work in many areas, but don't work in the small to mid size Rivers where some of the largest fish reside. Larger, older fish get spooked by boats and humans floating downstream. Also, trolling motor props get torn up by the limestone bottom very easily. The Bixpy, mounted on a kayak rudder, which i plan on rigging with a lever I can operate by hand for very shallow areas, might just be perfect. Any thoughts? Am I crazy, lol?